Best 3 Spicy Caramel Popcorn Recipes

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In the realm of culinary sensations, few things are as tantalizing as the harmonious blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Spicy caramel popcorn, a delectable confection, captivates taste buds with its symphony of contrasting flavors. The sweet, buttery richness of caramel complements the fiery kick of chili peppers, creating an addictive treat that leaves you craving more. Whether you're cozying up on a movie night, hosting a party, or simply seeking an afternoon snack, spicy caramel popcorn is the perfect companion. With its irresistible combination of sweet and spicy notes, it's sure to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire. Dive into the world of spicy caramel popcorn and discover a flavor journey like no other.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPICY CARAMEL POPCORN WITH PEANUTS



Spicy Caramel Popcorn with Peanuts image

A touch of spice makes this crunchy popcorn recipe extra nice; try making a big batch and packaging for friends.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Yield Makes 10 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 cup salted peanuts

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line two baking sheets with nonstick baking mats. Set aside.
  • Heat oil with 3 popcorn kernels in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. When kernels pop, add remaining 1/2 cup kernels. Cook, covered, shaking pan occasionally, until popping stops, 6 to 7 minutes. Remove pan from heat; let stand, covered, 1 minute.
  • Divide popcorn evenly between prepared baking sheets; set aside. In a medium saucepan heat sugar, butter, and corn syrup over medium heat until butter is melted, sugar is dissolved, and mixture is golden brown. Stir in salt and cayenne pepper; add peanuts and stir to coat. Pour mixture over popcorn. Spray a spatula with nonstick cooking spray and toss to combine.
  • Transfer baking sheets to oven and bake, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.

SPICY CARAMEL POPCORN



SPICY CARAMEL POPCORN image

Categories     Candy     Seed

Yield Makes 4 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 9

Nonstick cooking spray or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
2 cups salted peanuts (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 to 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (see Note)
3 cups sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher or coarse sea salt (see Note)

Steps:

  • Lightly coat two large, heatproof rubber spatulas, a very large mixing bowl and two large baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray or a thin slick of oil. In a large saucepan or pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels, cover and keep the saucepan moving until all of the kernels have popped, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the prepared bowl, removing any unpopped kernels. Toss with salted peanuts, if using. In a small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and cayenne pepper. Have the two large baking sheets ready. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, salt and 1/2 cup water. Cook over high heat, without stirring, until the mixture becomes a light golden-yellow caramel, 10 to 14 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully whisk in the baking-soda mixture (the mixture will bubble up). Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn and don't fuss if it doesn't all come out of the pot - you'll have plenty. Working quickly and carefully, use the prepared spatulas to toss the caramel and popcorn together, as if you were tossing a salad, until the popcorn is well coated. Spread the popcorn onto the baking sheets and quickly separate them into small pieces while still warm. Cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes. Once cool, store in an airtight container for up to two weeks or two minutes, if you've got a family like mine.

SPICY CARAMEL POPCORN



Spicy Caramel Popcorn image

Sweet, sticky caramel popcorn gets a kick of cayenne pepper and the combination is nonpareil. Once the caramel is poured over the popcorn, work quickly and let it cool a bit before serving. The snack is easy to make, and running out will likely be a problem -- so have extra supplies on hand.

Provided by The New York Times

Categories     appetizer, dessert, side dish

Time 35m

Yield Makes about 4 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 8

Nonstick cooking spray
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt

Steps:

  • Lightly coat two large, heatproof rubber spatulas and a large mixing bowl with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a large saucepan or pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the popcorn kernels, cover and keep the saucepan moving until all of the kernels have popped, about 5 minutes. Transfer to the prepared bowl, removing any unpopped kernels.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and cayenne pepper.
  • Have two large baking sheets ready. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, salt and 1/2 cup water. Cook over high heat, without stirring, until the mixture becomes a light golden caramel, 10 to 14 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully whisk in the baking-soda mixture (the mixture will bubble up).
  • Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn. Working quickly and carefully, use the prepared spatulas to toss the caramel and popcorn together, as if you were tossing a salad, until the popcorn is well coated.
  • Spread the popcorn onto the baking sheets and quickly separate them into small pieces while still warm. Cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes. Once cool, store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 414, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 81 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 239 milligrams, Sugar 75 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • Choose the right popcorn kernels: For the best caramel popcorn, use non-GMO popcorn kernels. They are less likely to contain hulls, which can make your popcorn tough and chewy.
  • Pop the popcorn evenly: Use a large pot or popcorn machine to pop the popcorn. This will help ensure that the kernels pop evenly and don't burn.
  • Make the caramel sauce ahead of time: The caramel sauce can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you're ready to make the popcorn.
  • Use a candy thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for making the caramel sauce. It will help you ensure that the sauce reaches the right temperature, which is between 235 and 240 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Be careful when adding the caramel sauce to the popcorn: The caramel sauce is very hot, so be careful when adding it to the popcorn. Slowly drizzle the sauce over the popcorn, stirring constantly to coat the kernels evenly.
  • Let the popcorn cool completely before storing it: This will help prevent the popcorn from becoming soggy.

Conclusion:

Spicy caramel popcorn is a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a sweet and savory treat that will satisfy your cravings. So next time you're looking for a snack, give spicy caramel popcorn a try. You won't be disappointed!

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